The Durham Cathedral team took 30 choristers from the North East to London, to take part in the Clergy Support Trust Festival on Tuesday 7 May at 5pm. The Festival, which is the longest-running choral celebration of its kind, brings together cathedral musicians who would not normally have the chance to sing together.
Blending tradition with innovation, the Clergy Support Trust Festival is free and open to all and offers a unique opportunity to hear high-quality choral music in a world-class setting, both for those who are already enthusiasts, and for those new to the experience.
The Dean of Durham, The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming says,
"I am delighted that Durham Cathedral Choir wass invited to St Paul's to take part in this wonderful service. The Clergy Support Trust does exceptional work with mission and ministry through supporting clergy and their families in times of need. The service was a special celebration of all the gifts God gives us and invites us to share."
This is the 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival and featured choral music from the 17th to the 21st centuries by Gabrieli, Parry, Elgar, Stanford and Cecilia McDowall. The combined choirs sang Elgar’s anthem Give unto the Lord, written specially for the 1914 Clergy Support Trust Festival, and Durham Choir sang Giovanni Gabrieli Jubilate Deo.
Choristers from Durham Cathedral spent two days in London and as part of their visit attended a choir rehearsal at Westminster Cathedral. Some of Durham Cathedral's donors and music supporters also travelled to St Paul’s to support them.
Simon Anderson, Senior Vice President at Global Publishing, was previously a Durham Cathedral chorister and is now a supporter of the cathedral's choral tradition.
Simon, who attended the event on 7 May says,
"I enjoyed my third Festival at St Paul’s with Durham’s participation. My first was in 1981 as a cathedral chorister. I returned in 1997 as a lay clerk, and this year I attended as a supporter of the cathedral’s music making. Singing together with other choirs is always an experience to treasure, particularly so in the amazing acoustic of St Paul’s. I am delighted that this generation of Durham Cathedral Choir get to experience this and that many more attended the event for free."
The Festival is an act of worship, giving thanks for clergy and celebrating the work of The Clergy Support Trust which provides independent, confidential and inclusive support to clergy and their families.
Image credit: Graham Lacdao
